Refrigeration device and refrigeration cycle system

Abstract

To suppress corrosion of components of a refrigerant circuit.SOLUTION: A refrigeration device (10A, 10B) includes a component (80, 57, 613, 13) and a refrigerant (R). The component (80, 57, 613, 13) is made of aluminum or aluminum alloy. The refrigerant (R) is hydrocarbon-based. The refrigerant (R) is obtained by chemical synthesis or chemical decomposition of a raw material. The feedstock includes at least two of CO, CO2, H2O, and H2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigeration device and a refrigeration cycle system in which corrosion of components is unlikely to occur. [Background technology]

[0002] The refrigeration cycle system disclosed in Patent Document 1 (JP 2013-174409 A) is configured as a heat pump water heater. The refrigeration cycle system has a refrigeration device configured as a heat pump unit. The refrigeration cycle system has a refrigerant circuit for circulating a refrigerant. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] The components of the refrigerant circuit may undergo corrosion due to a chemical reaction with the refrigerant. For example, if aluminum or aluminum alloy is used for the components and the refrigerant contains mercury as an impurity, amalgam corrosion of the components may occur. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] A refrigeration device according to a first aspect includes a refrigerant and a component. The refrigerant is hydrocarbon-based. The component is made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy and comes into contact with the refrigerant. The refrigerant is obtained by chemical synthesis or chemical decomposition of raw materials.

[0005] In this configuration, the hydrocarbon refrigerant is obtained by chemical synthesis or chemical decomposition, which reduces the risk of the refrigerant containing impurities that could cause corrosion of aluminum or aluminum alloy components, thereby suppressing corrosion of the refrigeration system.

[0006] A refrigeration device according to a second aspect is the refrigeration device according to the first aspect, wherein the refrigerant is obtained by chemical synthesis of raw materials, the raw materials including at least two of CO, CO2, H2O, and H2.

[0007] According to this configuration, the raw materials for the hydrocarbon refrigerant are non-metallic substances such as CO, CO2, H2O, and H2, which reduces the risk of the refrigeration device containing impurities that could cause corrosion of aluminum or aluminum alloy parts.

[0008] A refrigeration apparatus according to a third aspect is the refrigeration apparatus according to the second aspect, in which the cold materials are CO and H2, and the refrigerant is propane.

[0009] According to this configuration, the raw materials are non-metallic CO and H2, and therefore the refrigeration device is less likely to contain impurities that may induce corrosion of aluminum or aluminum alloy parts.

[0010] A refrigeration apparatus according to a fourth aspect is the refrigeration apparatus according to the second aspect, in which the raw materials are CO2 and H2O, and the refrigerant is propane.

[0011] According to this configuration, the raw materials are non-metallic CO2 and H2O. Therefore, the refrigeration device is less likely to contain impurities that may induce corrosion of aluminum or aluminum alloy parts.

[0012] A refrigeration apparatus according to a fifth aspect is the refrigeration apparatus according to the second aspect, in which the raw materials are CO2 and H2, and the refrigerant is butane.

[0013] According to this configuration, the raw materials are non-metallic CO2 and H2, and therefore the refrigeration device is less likely to contain impurities that may induce corrosion of aluminum or aluminum alloy parts.

[0014] A refrigeration device according to a sixth aspect is the refrigeration device according to the first aspect, wherein the refrigerant is obtained by chemical decomposition of a raw material. The raw material is butane. The refrigerant is propane.

[0015] According to this configuration, the refrigerant propane is obtained by chemical decomposition such as thermal decomposition or catalytic decomposition, and therefore the refrigerant is less likely to contain impurities that may cause corrosion of aluminum or aluminum alloy parts.

[0016] A refrigeration apparatus according to a seventh aspect is the refrigeration apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the refrigerant is obtained by chemical decomposition of a raw material. The raw material is pentane. The refrigerant is butane.

[0017] According to this configuration, the butane refrigerant is obtained by chemical decomposition such as thermal decomposition or catalytic decomposition, and therefore the refrigerant is less likely to contain impurities that could cause corrosion of aluminum or aluminum alloy parts.

[0018] A refrigeration apparatus according to an eighth aspect is the refrigeration apparatus according to any one of the first aspect to the seventh aspect, wherein the refrigerant does not contain impurities having elements other than hydrogen atoms, carbon atoms, and oxygen atoms.

[0019] According to this configuration, the refrigerant contains no elements other than hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen, which reduces corrosion of aluminum or aluminum alloy parts.

[0020] A refrigeration apparatus according to a ninth aspect is the refrigeration apparatus according to any one of the first aspect to the eighth aspect, in which the refrigerant does not contain any metal or metal compound.

[0021] According to this configuration, the refrigerant does not contain metals or metal compounds, which reduces corrosion of aluminum or aluminum alloy parts.

[0022] A refrigeration device according to a tenth aspect is the refrigeration device according to any one of the first aspect to the ninth aspect, in which the refrigerant does not contain mercury or a mercury compound.

[0023] According to this configuration, the refrigeration system does not contain mercury or mercury compounds, and therefore amalgam is not generated by reaction between mercury and aluminum, thereby suppressing amalgam corrosion of the components of the refrigeration system.

[0024] A refrigeration cycle system according to an eleventh aspect includes a refrigeration device and a utilization unit. The refrigeration device functions as a heat source unit. The refrigeration device is according to any one of the first to tenth aspects. The utilization unit provides a user with the hot or cold energy obtained by the heat source unit.

[0025] According to this configuration, the refrigeration cycle system uses a refrigeration device that is less susceptible to amalgam corrosion. This can prevent amalgam corrosion from occurring within the system.

[0026] A refrigeration cycle system according to a twelfth aspect is the refrigeration cycle system according to the eleventh aspect, wherein at least a part of the refrigerant becomes 0° C. or lower during operation of the refrigeration cycle system.

[0027] With this configuration, the refrigerant is likely to precipitate impurities because it is below 0° C. However, because the refrigerant is unlikely to contain impurities, amalgam corrosion can be prevented from occurring within the refrigeration cycle system.

[0028] A refrigeration cycle system according to a thirteenth aspect is the refrigeration cycle system according to the eleventh or twelfth aspect, wherein the refrigerant does not contain impurities having elements other than hydrogen atoms, carbon atoms, and oxygen atoms.

[0029] According to this configuration, the refrigerant contains no elements other than hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen, which reduces corrosion of aluminum or aluminum alloy parts.

[0030] A refrigeration cycle system according to a fourteenth aspect is the refrigeration cycle system according to any one of the eleventh aspect to the thirteenth aspect, in which the refrigerant does not contain mercury or a mercury compound.

[0031] According to this configuration, the refrigeration system does not contain mercury or mercury compounds, and therefore amalgam is not generated by reaction between mercury and aluminum, thereby suppressing amalgam corrosion of the components of the refrigeration system. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a refrigeration cycle system 100A according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a compressor 11. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the compressor 11. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a heat source heat exchanger 13. [Figure 5] 4 is a schematic diagram showing refrigerant R and impurities 41. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a refrigeration cycle system 100B according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] First Embodiment (1) Overall structure FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a refrigeration cycle system 100A according to a first embodiment. The refrigeration cycle system 100A is configured as a hot water supply system and supplies hot water to a user. The refrigeration cycle system 100A has a refrigerant circuit CR through which a refrigerant R circulates and a water circuit CW through which water or brine circulates. The refrigerant circuit CR obtains hot heat from air, which is a heat source. The water circuit CW provides the hot heat to a user in the form of hot water.

[0034] (2) Detailed configuration The refrigeration cycle system 100A includes a refrigeration unit 10A, a water heater 20A, and a connecting pipe group 30A.

[0035] (2-1) Refrigeration unit 10A The refrigeration system 10A functions as a heat source unit that acquires heat from air, which is a heat source. The refrigeration system 10A has, as components of the refrigerant circuit CR, a compressor 11, a heat source heat exchanger 13, a receiver 14, a heat source expansion valve 15, a refrigerant-water heat exchanger 16, and an accumulator 19. The refrigeration system 10A has, as components of the water circuit CW, the refrigerant-water heat exchanger 16, a first water valve 17A, and a second water valve 18A. The refrigerant-water heat exchanger 16 belongs to both the refrigerant circuit CR and the water circuit CW.

[0036] (2-1-1) Compressor 11 The compressor 11 has a suction pipe 111 and a discharge pipe 112. The compressor 11 compresses the refrigerant R in a low-pressure gas state that is sucked through the suction pipe 111, thereby generating the refrigerant R in a high-pressure gas state, and discharges the refrigerant R in the high-pressure gas state from the discharge pipe 112.

[0037] (2-1-2) Refrigerant = water heat exchanger 16 The refrigerant-water heat exchanger 16 functions as a condenser for the refrigerant R. The refrigerant-water heat exchanger 16 has a first passage 161 and a second passage 162. When the refrigerant R in a high-pressure gas state sent from the compressor 11 passes through the first passage 161, it releases heat to the water or brine passing through the second passage 162, and in the process is condensed to become the refrigerant R in a high-pressure liquid state.

[0038] At least a portion of the refrigerant-to-water heat exchanger 16 may be made from aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0039] (2-1-3) Heat source expansion valve 15 The heat source expansion valve 15 is an electrically operated valve whose opening is adjustable. The heat source expansion valve 15 reduces the pressure of the refrigerant R in a high-pressure liquid state sent from the first passage 161 to generate the refrigerant R in a low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase state.

[0040] (2-1-4) Receiver 14 The receiver 14 functions as a storage container for the refrigerant R. The receiver 14 stores a portion of the liquid component contained in the low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant R that flows into the receiver 14, and discharges the remaining liquid component and the gas component.

[0041] (2-1-5) Heat source heat exchanger 13 The heat source heat exchanger 13 functions as an evaporator for the refrigerant R. The refrigerant R in a gas-liquid two-phase state sent from the receiver 14 is evaporated in the heat source heat exchanger 13 to become refrigerant R in a low-pressure gas state, and in the process, acquires heat from the air. A heat source fan 131 is provided near the heat source heat exchanger 13 to promote heat exchange between the refrigerant R and the air.

[0042] At least a portion of the heat source heat exchanger 13 may be made from aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0043] (2-1-6) Accumulator 19 The accumulator 19 protects the compressor 11 by not allowing the liquid component contained in the refrigerant R to pass through. The accumulator 19 receives the refrigerant R in a low-pressure gas state from the heat source heat exchanger 13 and stores the small amount of liquid component contained therein. The refrigerant R in a low-pressure gas state is sent to the compressor 11.

[0044] (2-1-7) First water valve 17A, second water valve 18A The first water valve 17A and the second water valve 18A are valves that are manually opened and closed by an installer. The first water valve 17A and the second water valve 18A are used to connect piping outside the refrigeration unit 10A to form the water circuit CW. Water or brine sent from the hot water supply unit 20A passes through the first water valve 17A and then through the second passage 162 of the refrigerant-water heat exchanger 16, receiving heat from the refrigerant R, and then passes through the second water valve 18A to head outside the refrigeration unit 10A.

[0045] (2-2) Hot water supply device 20A Water heating apparatus 20A functions as a utilization unit that enables a user to utilize hot water. Water heating apparatus 20A has hot water storage tank 23A and pump 29 as components of water circuit CW.

[0046] (2-2-1) Hot Water Tank 23A Hot water storage tank 23A has a relatively large capacity and stores water or brine heated by refrigeration device 10A. Hot water supply piping 231 is installed inside hot water storage tank 23A. Water passing through hot water supply piping 231 receives heat from the water or brine stored in hot water storage tank 23A and becomes hot water. Hot water supply piping 231 is connected to piping outside hot water supply device 20A. Hot water supply piping 231 receives water from external piping at cold water inlet 232 and discharges hot water to external piping at hot water outlet 233.

[0047] (2-2-2) Pump 29 Pump 29 circulates water or brine in water circuit CW. The water or brine pumped out from pump 29 flows toward first water valve 17A of refrigeration device 10A. The force of pump 29 moves the water or brine near second water valve 18A of refrigeration device 10A into hot water storage tank 23A.

[0048] (2-3) Connection pipe group 30A Connecting pipe group 30A is a plurality of pipes that connect refrigeration unit 10A and hot water supply unit 20A. Connecting pipe group 30A has first water pipe 31A and second water pipe 32A. First water pipe 31A guides water or brine delivered by pump 29 of hot water supply unit 20A to first water valve 17A of refrigeration unit 10A. Second water pipe 32A guides water or brine near second water valve 18A of refrigeration unit 10A to hot water supply unit 20A.

[0049] (3) Configuration of Compressor 11 2 shows the configuration of the compressor 11. The compressor 11 is a scroll compressor, and includes a casing 50, a first support member 55, a second support member 56, an Oldham coupling 57, a motor 60, a crankshaft 70, and a compression mechanism 80.

[0050] (3-1) Casing 50 The casing 50 has a body portion 51, an upper portion 52, and a lower portion 53 that are airtightly joined together. A discharge pipe 112 is provided in the body portion 51. A suction pipe 111 is provided in the upper portion 52. An oil reservoir 54 for storing refrigerating machine oil L is provided near the lower portion 53. An internal space S of the casing 50 is filled with a refrigerant R.

[0051] (3-2) Motor 60 The motor 60 generates power for compressing the refrigerant R. The motor 60 has a stator 61 and a rotor 62. The rotor 62 rotates by magnetically interacting with the stator 61.

[0052] 3 is an enlarged view of a main portion of the motor 60. The stator 61 and the rotor 62 are cylindrical or columnar and share a common central axis C. The stator 61 is fixed to the body 51. The rotor 62 is disposed in a cavity in the center of the stator 61 and is rotatably supported.

[0053] The stator 61 has a stator core 611, insulators 612, and windings 613. The stator core 611 is formed from a large number of laminated steel plates. The insulators 612 are made of resin. One insulator 612 is arranged on the top surface and one on the bottom surface of the stator core 611. The windings 613 form multiple coils and are wound around the stator core 611 and the insulators 612. The multiple coils formed by the windings 613 use the received power to generate a magnetic field that interacts with the rotor 62.

[0054] The windings 613 may be made from aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0055] The rotor 62 rotates around a central axis C. The rotor 62 has a rotor core 621, permanent magnets 622, end plates 623, and a balance weight 624. The rotor core 621 is made of a plurality of laminated steel plates. The permanent magnets 622 are placed in a space provided inside the rotor core 621. The end plates 623 are provided on the upper and lower surfaces of the rotor core 621, one on each side. The end plates 623 prevent the permanent magnets 622 from falling out of the space in the rotor core 621. The balance weight 624 is placed on the underside of the rotor 62. The balance weight 624 is used to balance the crankshaft 70.

[0056] Motor 60 is disposed in internal space S of casing 50. Therefore, components of motor 60, such as stator core 611, insulator 612, winding 613, rotor core 621, end plate 623, and balance weight 624, come into contact with refrigerant R.

[0057] (3-3) Crankshaft 70 Returning to Fig. 2, the crankshaft 70 transmits power generated by the motor 60 to the compression mechanism 80. The crankshaft 70 has a main shaft portion 71 and an eccentric portion 72 that is eccentric with respect to the main shaft portion 71. The main shaft portion 71 shares a central axis C with the stator 61 and the rotor 62.

[0058] A part of the main shaft portion 71 passes through a cavity in the center of the rotor 62 and is fixed to the rotor 62. This allows the crankshaft 70 to rotate together with the rotor 62.

[0059] An oil passage 73 is provided inside the crankshaft 70 to suck up the refrigeration oil L from the oil reservoir 54. The refrigeration oil L sucked up to the upper end of the oil passage 73 is used to lubricate the compression mechanism 80.

[0060] (3-4) First support member 55, second support member 56 The first support member 55 is attached to the body portion 51. The first support member 55 supports the upper portion of the main shaft portion 71 via a bearing 75.

[0061] The second support member 56 is also attached to the body portion 51. The second support member 56 supports the lower portion of the main shaft portion 71 via a bearing 76.

[0062] (3-5) Compression mechanism 80 The compression mechanism 80 is a scroll compression mechanism disposed within the internal space S and above the motor 60. The compression mechanism 80 generates high-pressure gaseous refrigerant R by compressing low-pressure gaseous refrigerant R using power transmitted by the rotation of the crankshaft 70. The compression mechanism 80 has a fixed scroll 81 and a movable scroll 82. A plurality of compression chambers 83 are formed between the fixed scroll 81 and the movable scroll 82. The low-pressure gaseous refrigerant R drawn from the suction pipe 111 enters the compression chambers 83. Therefore, the fixed scroll 81 and the movable scroll 82 constituting the compression mechanism 80 come into contact with the refrigerant R.

[0063] The movable scroll 82 has a boss 84. The eccentric portion 72 of the crankshaft 70 is fitted into a recess in the boss 84. The eccentric portion 72 contacts the inner surface of the recess in the boss 84 via a bearing 77. The rotation of the crankshaft 70 is transmitted to the boss 84, causing the movable scroll 82 to revolve relative to the fixed scroll 81. This revolution changes the volume of the compression chamber 83, compressing the refrigerant R. The resulting high-pressure gaseous refrigerant R is discharged from the compressor 11 through the discharge pipe 112.

[0064] At least a portion of the compression mechanism 80 may be made from aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0065] (3-6) Oldham coupling 57 While the fixed scroll 81 is directly supported by the first support member 55, the movable scroll 82 is supported by the first support member 55 via an Oldham coupling 57. The Oldham coupling 57 allows the movable scroll 82 to move while being supported. The Oldham coupling 57 restricts the rotation of the movable scroll 82, thereby allowing the movable scroll 82 to revolve while suppressing its rotation.

[0066] The Oldham coupling 57 is disposed in the internal space S of the casing 50. Therefore, the Oldham coupling 57 comes into contact with the refrigerant R.

[0067] The Oldham coupling 57 may be made from aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0068] (4) Configuration of heat source heat exchanger 13 4 schematically shows the structure of the heat source heat exchanger 13. The heat source heat exchanger 13 has a first header 91, a second header 92, a plurality of refrigerant pipes 93, a plurality of fins 94, a gas side pipe 95, a liquid side pipe 96, and a return pipe 97.

[0069] The first header 91 is a container through which the refrigerant R can pass, and has a first gas chamber 91a, a first liquid chamber 91b, and a first partition wall 91c. The first partition wall 91c divides the internal space of the first header 91 into the first gas chamber 91a and the first liquid chamber 91b. A gas-side pipe 95 and a liquid-side pipe 96 are connected to the first header 91. The gas-side pipe 95 is connected to the first gas chamber 91a. The liquid-side pipe 96 is connected to the first liquid chamber 91b.

[0070] The second header 92 is a container through which the refrigerant R can pass, and has a second gas chamber 92a, a second liquid chamber 92b, and a second partition wall 92c. The second partition wall 92c divides the internal space of the second header 92 into the second gas chamber 92a and the second liquid chamber 92b. A return pipe 97 is connected to the second header 92. The second gas chamber 92a and the second liquid chamber 92b are connected to each other via the return pipe 97.

[0071] The plurality of refrigerant pipes 93 move the refrigerant R between the first header 91 and the second header 92. Each of the plurality of refrigerant pipes 93 connects the first gas chamber 91a and the second gas chamber 92a, or connects the first liquid chamber 91b and the second liquid chamber 92b. Each of the plurality of fins 94 is attached to at least one of the plurality of refrigerant pipes 93.

[0072] In this manner, the refrigerant R passes through the heat source heat exchanger 13. Therefore, the components of the heat source heat exchanger 13, such as the first header 91, the second header 92, the plurality of refrigerant pipes 93, the gas side pipe 95, the liquid side pipe 96, and the return pipe 97, come into contact with the refrigerant R.

[0073] (5) Refrigerant R (5-1) Impurity 41 FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram of refrigerant R and impurities 41. Refrigerant R is made of a hydrocarbon substance, specifically propane. In addition to propane molecules, refrigerant R may contain impurities 41. These impurities 41 contain no elements other than hydrogen atoms, carbon atoms, and oxygen atoms.

[0074] More specifically, even if the refrigerant R contains impurities 41, the impurities 41 are not sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, boron, chlorine, or any of their compounds.

[0075] Refrigerant R does not contain any metal or metal compound as impurities 41. For example, even if refrigerant R contains impurities 41, the impurities 41 are not mercury, sodium, potassium, magnesium, or compounds thereof.

[0076] (5-2) Manufacturing method Propane Refrigerant R is obtained through chemical synthesis of raw materials. Chemical synthesis is a reaction that produces new compounds by combining multiple elements or compounds.

[0077] The raw material for producing the refrigerant R includes at least two of CO, CO, H2O, and H2. For example, the raw material may be CO and H2. Alternatively, the raw material may be CO2 and H2O.

[0078] The raw materials may be carbon dioxide captured from the atmosphere, carbon fixed by plants from the atmosphere, hydrogen derived from renewable energy, or substances derived from these. In this case, refrigerant R can be obtained as green LPG.

[0079] Chemical synthesis facilities must be carefully managed to prevent the deposition of mercury from any contamination source. The amount of mercury that may be contaminated in the resulting refrigerant R can be further reduced by installing a mercury removal device in the chemical synthesis facility. A mercury removal material is placed inside such a mercury removal device. The mercury removal material is, for example, based on activated carbon and has a large surface area due to its numerous pores. Additionally, the mercury removal agent may have catalytic properties due to the inclusion of alkali metal sulfides, alkaline earth metal sulfides, chlorides, etc. These characteristics allow the mercury removal agent to remove metallic mercury, ionic mercury, and organic mercury contained in crude oil through chemical bonding or physical adsorption.

[0080] (6) Refrigerating machine oil L Generally, refrigerating machine oil L may contain water as an impurity. The refrigerating machine oil L of this embodiment is managed or treated so as to contain as little water as possible. If aluminum parts, mercury, and water are present in the system, the water will function as a catalyst and promote amalgam corrosion of the aluminum parts.

[0081] In order to minimize the amount of water contained in the refrigerating machine oil L, the refrigerating machine oil L may be degassified before being filled into the refrigeration cycle system 100A (particularly the compressor 11). Specifically, the degassing is performed in the following manner.

[0082] First, the air in the container containing the refrigerating machine oil L is removed using a vacuum pump, thereby reducing the pressure inside the container. Next, the refrigerating machine oil L is heated to about 50°C. The boiling point of water 42 contained in the refrigerating machine oil L drops to about 45°C when the pressure is reduced to, for example, 0.1 atmospheres. Therefore, the water 42 turns into water vapor when heated by the 50°C refrigerating machine oil L. The water vapor leaves the refrigerating machine oil L and is discharged outside the container by the vacuum pump.

[0083] Furthermore, apart from degassing the refrigeration oil L, the refrigeration cycle system 100A may be subjected to a drying treatment before filling the refrigeration cycle system 100A with the refrigeration oil L. In the drying treatment, dry air is supplied to the periphery of the components of the refrigeration cycle system 100A (for example, the compressor 11) for a certain period of time. This removes water 42 adhering to or condensing on the components, thereby reducing the amount of water 42 mixed into the refrigeration oil L.

[0084] (7) Operation of refrigeration cycle system 100A During operation of the refrigeration cycle system 100A, refrigerant R circulates through the refrigerant circuit CR shown in Fig. 1. The refrigerant R in a high-pressure gas state discharged from the discharge pipe 112 of the compressor 11 is condensed as it passes through the first passage 161 of the refrigerant-water heat exchanger 16, becoming refrigerant R in a high-pressure liquid state. The refrigerant R is then decompressed in the heat-source expansion valve 15, becoming refrigerant R in a low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase state. The refrigerant R in the low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase state is then evaporated in the heat-source heat exchanger 13, becoming refrigerant R in a low-pressure gas state.

[0085] The temperature of the refrigerant R in a low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase state is equal to or lower than 0° C. Under this temperature condition, impurities 41 contained in the refrigerant R are likely to precipitate.

[0086] (8) Features (8-1) Propane can be obtained by refining raw materials such as natural gas or petroleum. However, this production method may result in the inclusion of impurities 41 in the propane. Examples of impurities 41 include metals such as mercury, sodium, potassium, and magnesium, trace elements such as sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, boron, and chlorine, and compounds thereof.

[0087] The refrigeration device 10A or the refrigeration cycle system 100A has components made of aluminum or aluminum alloy. If mercury is contained as the impurity 41, the mercury may react with aluminum and cause amalgam corrosion of the components.

[0088] However, propane, which is the refrigerant R in this embodiment, is obtained by chemical synthesis of non-metallic raw materials such as CO, CO2, HO, and H2. Therefore, the refrigeration apparatus 10A or the refrigeration cycle system 100A is less likely to contain impurities such as mercury that may induce corrosion of aluminum or aluminum alloy parts.

[0089] (8-2) Refrigerant R does not contain any metals or metal compounds. Specifically, refrigerant R does not contain mercury, sodium, potassium, magnesium, or compounds thereof. Therefore, the refrigeration apparatus 10A or the refrigeration cycle system 100A does not contain impurities 41 such as mercury, which reduces corrosion of aluminum or aluminum alloy parts.

[0090] (8-3) Refrigerant R does not contain sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, boron, chlorine, or compounds thereof. Therefore, it is highly likely that refrigerant R is not made from petroleum, natural gas, or the like, and there is little risk that impurities such as mercury will be present in the refrigeration apparatus 10A or the refrigeration cycle system 100A.

[0091] (8-4) The refrigerant R contains no elements other than hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen. Therefore, the refrigeration device 10A or the refrigeration cycle system 100A does not contain impurities 41 such as mercury, which reduces corrosion of aluminum or aluminum alloy parts.

[0092] (8-5) In the refrigerant circuit CR of the refrigeration cycle system 100A, the refrigerant R is at or below 0° C., so impurities are likely to precipitate. However, since the refrigerant R is unlikely to contain impurities 41 such as mercury, amalgam corrosion can be suppressed in the refrigeration cycle system 100A.

[0093] (9) Variations (9-1) Variation 1A In the above-described embodiment, the refrigerant R is propane. Alternatively, the refrigerant R may be butane. In other words, the propane in the refrigerant R is obtained by chemical synthesis of the raw material butane. In this case, the impurities 41 that the refrigerant R may contain are no elements other than hydrogen atoms, carbon atoms, and oxygen atoms.

[0094] More specifically, even if the refrigerant R contains impurities 41, the impurities 41 are not sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, boron, chlorine, or any of their compounds.

[0095] Refrigerant R does not contain any metal or metal compound as impurities 41. For example, even if refrigerant R contains impurities 41, the impurities 41 are not mercury, sodium, potassium, magnesium, or compounds thereof.

[0096] The butane of refrigerant R is obtained by chemical synthesis of raw materials. The raw materials for producing refrigerant R include at least two of CO, CO2, H2O, and H2. For example, the raw materials can be CO2 and H2.

[0097] According to this configuration, butane, which is the refrigerant R, is obtained by chemical synthesis of nonmetallic raw materials such as CO, CO2, HO, and H2. Therefore, the refrigeration apparatus 10A or the refrigeration cycle system 100A is less likely to contain impurities such as mercury, which may cause corrosion of aluminum or aluminum alloy parts.

[0098] (9-2) Variation 1B In the above-described embodiment, refrigerant R is obtained by chemical synthesis of raw materials. Alternatively, refrigerant R may be obtained by chemical decomposition of raw materials. Chemical decomposition is a reaction in which a compound is broken down to produce simpler elements or compounds.

[0099] The refrigerant R may be propane, and in this case the feedstock may be butane.

[0100] Alternatively, the refrigerant R may be butane, and the feedstock may be pentane.

[0101] According to this configuration, the propane or butane refrigerant R is obtained by chemical decomposition such as thermal decomposition or catalytic decomposition. Therefore, the refrigeration apparatus 10A or the refrigeration cycle system 100A is less likely to contain impurities such as mercury that may cause corrosion of aluminum or aluminum alloy parts.

[0102] (9-3) Variation 1C In the above embodiment, the compressor 11 is a scroll compressor. Alternatively, the compressor 11 may be a compressor other than a scroll compressor, such as a rotary compressor or a screw compressor.

[0103] Second Embodiment (1) Overall structure 6 shows the configuration of a refrigeration cycle system 100B according to a second embodiment. The refrigeration cycle system 100B is configured as an air conditioning system and supplies conditioned air to a user. Unlike the first embodiment, which has a water circuit CW, the refrigeration cycle system 100B has only a refrigerant circuit CR through which a refrigerant R circulates.

[0104] (2) Detailed configuration The refrigeration cycle system 100B includes a refrigeration device 10B, a utilization unit 20B, and a connecting pipe group 30B.

[0105] (2-1) Refrigeration equipment 10B The refrigeration system 10B functions as a heat source unit that acquires hot heat or cold heat from air, which is a heat source. The refrigeration system 10B includes a compressor 11, a four-way switching valve 12, a heat source heat exchanger 13, a receiver 14, a first heat source expansion valve 151, a second heat source expansion valve 152, a liquid stop valve 17B, a gas stop valve 18B, and an accumulator 19.

[0106] (2-1-1) Compressor 11 The compressor 11 is the same as that installed in the refrigeration device 10A of the first embodiment. Refrigeration oil L is stored in the compressor 11.

[0107] (2-1-2) Four-way switching valve 12 The four-way switching valve 12 switches the circulation direction of the refrigerant R. In cooling operation to provide cold heat to the user, the four-way switching valve 12 realizes the connection shown by the solid lines in the figure. In heating operation to provide warm heat to the user, the four-way switching valve 12 realizes the connection shown by the dashed lines in the figure.

[0108] (2-1-3) Heat source heat exchanger 13 The heat source heat exchanger 13 is similar to that installed in the refrigeration device 10A of the first embodiment. The heat source heat exchanger 13 functions as a condenser for the refrigerant R in cooling operation, and functions as an evaporator for the refrigerant R in heating operation. A heat source fan 131 is provided near the heat source heat exchanger 13 to promote heat exchange between the refrigerant R and the air.

[0109] At least a portion of the heat source heat exchanger 13 may be made from aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0110] (2-1-4) Receiver 14 The receiver 14 is similar to that installed in the refrigeration device 10A of the first embodiment.

[0111] (2-1-5) First heat source expansion valve 151, second heat source expansion valve 152 The first heat source expansion valve 151 and the second heat source expansion valve 152 are motor-operated valves whose openings can be adjusted. The first heat source expansion valve 151 and the second heat source expansion valve 152 reduce the pressure of the refrigerant R in a high-pressure liquid state to generate refrigerant R in a low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase state. In cooling operation, the first heat source expansion valve 151 reduces the pressure of the refrigerant R, and the opening of the second heat source expansion valve 152 is set to fully open. In heating operation, the opening of the first heat source expansion valve 151 is set to fully open, and the second heat source expansion valve 152 reduces the pressure of the refrigerant R.

[0112] (2-1-6) Accumulator 19 The accumulator 19 is similar to that installed in the refrigeration device 10A of the first embodiment.

[0113] (2-1-7) Liquid shutoff valve 17B, gas shutoff valve 18B The liquid shutoff valve 17B and the gas shutoff valve 18B are valves that are manually opened and closed by an installer. The liquid shutoff valve 17B and the gas shutoff valve 18B are used to connect external piping to the refrigeration apparatus 10B to form the refrigerant circuit CR.

[0114] (2-2) Usage unit 20B The utilization unit 20B provides the user with heat or cold in the form of conditioned air. The utilization unit 20B includes a utilization heat exchanger 23B and a utilization fan 231B.

[0115] The utilization heat exchanger 23B functions as an evaporator of the refrigerant R during cooling operation, and functions as a condenser of the refrigerant R during heating operation. The utilization fan 231B is provided to promote heat exchange between the refrigerant R and the air, and is provided near the utilization heat exchanger 23B.

[0116] The configuration of the utilization heat exchanger 23B is similar to the configuration of the heat source heat exchanger 13 shown in Fig. 4. Therefore, at least a part of the components of the utilization heat exchanger 23B comes into contact with the refrigerant R.

[0117] At least a portion of the utilization heat exchanger 23B may be made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0118] (2-3) Connection pipe group 30B The connecting pipe group 30B is a plurality of pipes that connect the refrigeration apparatus 10B and the utilization unit 20B. The connecting pipe group 30B has a liquid connecting pipe 31B and a gas connecting pipe 32B. The liquid connecting pipe 31B mainly guides refrigerant R in a liquid state or refrigerant R in a two-phase gas-liquid state. The gas connecting pipe 32B mainly guides refrigerant R in a gas state.

[0119] (3) Refrigerant R and refrigerating machine oil L The refrigerant R and the refrigerating machine oil L are the same as those in the first embodiment. The contents and amounts of impurities are also the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0120] (4) Features The refrigeration cycle system 100B and the refrigeration device 10B according to this embodiment also achieve the same effects as the refrigeration cycle system 100A and the refrigeration device 10A according to the first embodiment. Propane, which is the refrigerant R, is obtained by chemical synthesis of non-metallic raw materials such as CO, CO2, H2O, and H2. Therefore, the refrigeration device 10A or the refrigeration cycle system 100A is less likely to contain impurities such as mercury that can induce corrosion of aluminum or aluminum alloy parts.

[0121] (5) Variations (5-1) Variation 2A In the above-described embodiment, one utilization unit 20B is connected to one refrigeration apparatus 10B. Alternatively, a plurality of utilization units 20B may be connected to one refrigeration apparatus 10B.

[0122] (5-2) Variation 2B The modified examples of the first embodiment may be applied to this embodiment. For example, the refrigerant R may be butane. The refrigerant R may also be obtained by chemical decomposition of a raw material.

[0123] <Conclusion> Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it will be understood that various changes in form and details can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0124] 10A: Refrigeration equipment 10B: Refrigeration equipment 11: Compressor 13: Heat source heat exchanger (parts) 14: Receiver 16: Refrigerant = water heat exchanger 20A: Hot water supply device 20B: Usage unit 23B: Utilization heat exchanger 30A: Connection pipe group 30B: Connecting pipe group 41: Impurities 50: Casing 57: Oldham coupling (parts) 60: Motor 70: Crankshaft 80: Compression mechanism (parts) 91: First header (parts) 92: Second header (parts) 93: Refrigerant pipe (parts) 95: Gas side pipe (parts) 96: Liquid side pipe (parts) 97: Turned pipe 100A: Refrigeration cycle system 100B: Refrigeration cycle system 613: Winding (component) R: Refrigerant [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0125] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-174409

Claims

1. a hydrocarbon-based refrigerant (R); an aluminum or aluminum alloy part (80, 57, 613, 91, 92, 93, 95, 96, 97) that comes into contact with the refrigerant; Equipped with The refrigerant is obtained by chemical synthesis or chemical decomposition of a raw material. Refrigeration equipment (10A, 10B).

2. the refrigerant is obtained by chemical synthesis of the raw material, The raw materials are CO, CO 2 , H 2 O, H 2 at least two of The refrigeration system of claim 1.

3. The raw material is the CO and the H 2 and The refrigerant is propane.

3. The refrigeration system of claim 2.

4. The raw material is the CO 2 , and the H 2 O, The refrigerant is propane.

3. The refrigeration system of claim 2.

5. The raw material is the CO 2 , and the H 2 and The refrigerant is butane.

3. The refrigeration system of claim 2.

6. the refrigerant is obtained by the chemical decomposition of the raw material, the feedstock is butane, The refrigerant is propane. The refrigeration system of claim 1.

7. the refrigerant is obtained by the chemical decomposition of the raw material, the raw material is pentane, The refrigerant is butane. The refrigeration system of claim 1.

8. The refrigerant does not contain impurities having elements other than hydrogen atoms, carbon atoms, and oxygen atoms.

8. A refrigeration system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The refrigerant is free of metals and metal compounds.

8. A refrigeration system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. The refrigerant is free of mercury and mercury compounds.

8. A refrigeration system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

11. A refrigeration device (10A, 10B) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, which functions as a heat source unit; A utilization unit (20A, 20B) that provides a user with the hot or cold heat acquired by the heat source unit; A refrigeration cycle system (100A, 100B) comprising:

12. During operation of the refrigeration cycle system, at least a portion of the refrigerant becomes 0°C or lower. The refrigeration cycle system according to claim 11.

13. The refrigerant does not contain impurities having elements other than hydrogen atoms, carbon atoms, and oxygen atoms. The refrigeration cycle system according to claim 11.

14. The refrigerant is free of mercury and mercury compounds. The refrigeration cycle system according to claim 11.

Images